The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 15

Evelyn leaned back against the cool leather seat of the cab, her mind buzzing with the events of the morning.

First, was the visit with her stepmom, followed by Susan's call, and then her visit to Derek's office. She couldn't shake the feeling that everything was moving too fast.

The cityscape blurred past her window as she lost herself in thought, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges of her phone.

Now that she had agreed to work with Derek and she knew she had secured the interview with him, she needed to find an apartment, a safe place where she and Samantha could stay, away from Derek's reach.

The thought of Derek, Michael's cousin finding out he was Samantha's father, and everyone else getting to know about it too sent a shiver down her spine.

She couldn't let him know about Samantha. She couldn't let anyone know that she had been with Michael's cousin and had a child for him. Not even her family could know about it.

It was then that a sudden realization struck her. She needed to call Claire and make sure Samantha remained a secret for a bit longer.

If Claire mentioned Samantha to her dad and Sandra and the news of it got to Michael and from Michael to Derek, he would know Samantha was his judging by her age since she wasn't Michael's.

This made her pause for a moment as she wondered if Derek knew who she was. They had spoken over the phone a couple of times in the past during her relationship with Michael.

Was he aware that she was that Evelyn- Michael's fiancee? Had Michael told him about her? If so, why was he still doing this? She mused.

Shaking off the thought, she took a deep breath and dialed Claire's number, which she had gotten from her earlier during her visit, hoping that she wasn't too late and Claire had not told them about Sam yet.

on the fourth ring, Claire's

to hear from you

you're calling because you have decided to move back into the house?" Claire's voice held a note of

were far from lighthearted. "No, Mom. That's not why I called, but I do have a

sweetheart," Claire replied

hesitated for a moment, then

either Dad or Sandra about Sam yet, have you?" She

said and Evelyn let out a sigh of relief, glad that she had

now. I don't want Dad or Sandra to know about her

brief pause on the other end before Claire spoke again, her voice gentle but firm. "If that's what you want, Evelyn. But you know you will

thoughts. "I can't bring Sam to the party, Mom. But I promise I'll tell Dad about her after a month, but right now, I need to keep

a month?" Claire

first. When I'm settled I will tell him. But until then I want this

understanding in her voice. "Alright, if that's what you need. But remember, secrets have a way of coming out, Evie.

worry. She had bought herself some time, but

up to The Stone's Palace Hotel, and Evelyn stepped out, her determination renewed. She made her way through the grand lobby, nodding

pulled out her phone again and began searching for real estate listings. She needed to

with her toys, and Maya was tidying up. The sight of her daughter brought a wave of love and a pang of

knew that,

if Derek were someone else. If he wasn't Michael's cousin it would have been different. But right now it was complicated and

back!" Samantha exclaimed, running